How To Use iMac As Monitor For MacBook Pro?
The iMac is an all-in-one supercharged M3 chip computer that offers a spectacular display on a 24-inch or 60.96 cm screen.
You can use it to play or work and also as a screen. But how to use iMac as a monitor for MacBook Pro?
If you have both devices then you may want to give it a go. The positive news is there is more than one way to use iMac as a monitor for MacBook Pro.
So, you can use the method that’s most convenient for you.
However, not all iMacs may be suitable for MacBook Pro so it’s best to find out all the details such as models and requirements.
Can I Use My iMac As a Screen For My MacBook Pro?
An iMac is the perfect computer that you can use to perform all your personal and business tasks.
At the same time, you can also use it as a screen for your MacBook Pro.
However, both devices need to meet some system requirements and also be compatible. You also need the right cable and adapters to make it work.
What Are The Requirements To Use iMac As Monitor?
As stated earlier, you can use an iMac as a monitor but not all models suit MacBook Pro devices. But several models are compatible.
If you connect devices that are suitable for each other, it won’t take much time and you can use the iMac for any purpose as you would your MacBook Pro.
Here are iMac models which you can use as a monitor for MacBook Pro.
| iMac Year | Mac OS Version | Equipment Required |
| 2009 to 2010 24” and 27” Screen | High Sierra or earlier | Display Port cable |
| 2011, 2012, 2013 and mid-2014 | High Sierra or earlier | Thunderbolt/ Thunderbolt 2 cable |
| Newer iMacs | 3rd Party Software |
How To Use iMac As Monitor For MacBook Pro?
You can use many iMac models as monitors for MacBook Pro using different methods.
The following are some methods that you can use to connect an iMac and a MacBook to use the former as a monitor.
01. Connecting via Target Display Mode
- Step 1: See that both devices meet the system requirements.
- Step 2: Switch on the iMac.
- Step 3: Switch on the MacBook Pro and see that you’re logged in.
- Step 4: Connect the two devices using a Thunderbolt cable.
- Step 5: Press the Command and F2 buttons on your iMac’s keyboard. It’ll show the MacBook Pro desktop.
- Step 6: If you want to exit Target Display Mode, press the Command-F2 keys again or unplug the cable. You can also restart one of the devices.
02. Using Software Solutions
Newer iMacs don’t support Target Display Mode but you can use them as monitors with the help of third-party software.
There are several tools but it is impossible to provide steps for all. So, for example, we’ll list the steps of only one third-party software.
Required Equipment:
- An iMac (macOS 10.15 or newer) and a primary Mac
- Luna Display USB-C
- USB-C to USB-A cable (optional but highly recommended)
Step 1: Connect your Luna Display to the primary Mac in the USB-C port that supports DisplayPort or Thunderbolt.
Step 2: Connect the iMac and Mac with the recommended cable.
Step 3: Download and open the software (Luna Display on your Mac and Luna Secondary app on your iMac).
Step 4: Use your iMac as a monitor for your MacBook Pro (or other compatible device) as once you complete the three steps, the two devices will automatically find each other.
03. Using AirPlay
Mac computers with macOS 12 or newer models have AirPlay Receiver. So, your devices should meet the system requirements.
- Step 1: Open the Apple menu on your iMac and go to System Settings.
- Step 2: Click General in the sidebar and press on AirDrop & Handoff on the right or below (you may require scrolling down).
- Step 3: Turn on the AirPlay Receiver.
- Step 4: Next to the “Allow Airplay for”, press the pop-up menu and select which devices can use AirPlay to transfer content to your iMac. You’ll have three options; Current User (only devices signed in to your Apple ID), Anyone on the Same Network (nearby Apple devices on the same network), and Everyone (all Apple devices).
- Step 5: Select Current User as probably you don’t want others to transfer content to your iMac via AirPlay.
- Step 6: Turn on Require Password, type in a new AirPlay password in the given space, and press OK.
When Can You Use iMac As a Monitor?
iMacs are brilliant devices for performing various tasks. You can also use it as a monitor for MacBook Pro for different purposes.
If your iMac has the necessary system requirements then you can use it as a screen whenever you want.
You can also use newer models as monitors with AirPlay or third-party software
Why Can’t I Use My iMac As a Monitor?
Sometimes, you may not be able to use your iMac as a monitor even if it’s in perfect condition.
It can be due to a number of reasons but you can solve most of them easily.
Restart both devices (iMac and the other Mac).
Disconnect the cable from the other Mac and reconnect once more.
Press Command-F2 on your iMac keyboard.
If it still doesn’t work, do the following:
- Select the Apple menu log out (if you’re logged in) and go back to the login window. Press Command-F2 once more.
- Select the Apple menu go to System Preferences and press Keyboard. If you select “Use F1, F2, etc. keyboards as standard keys”, Target Display mode will Command-Fn-F2 in place of Command-F2. It may also enable you to employ the iMac keyboard as some older Apple keyboards and other keyboards don’t have support for Target Display Mode.
- See that your iMac runs macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or older as Target Display Mode isn’t compatible with newer macOS versions.
Final Thoughts
While iMacs are excellent, they work superbly well as monitors too.
Hence, if you own any of the iMac models mentioned above and a suitable MacBook Pro, you can connect the two to use the former device as a monitor for the latter.
All you have to do is follow the few steps and you can continue with your tasks.
